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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

To those who are residing/working in The Fort/Makati area and wish to volunteer preparing relief goods for typhoon Ondoy victims, White Space is just waiting for you. It's located at 2314 Pasong Tamo (Chino Roces Avenue) Extension, just beside Makati Faith Christian School and near DPC, Mead Johnson Philippines and an Italian restaurant called Cantinetta.

Work basically includes packing the goods, cleaning up and putting the bags in the truck. The "warehouse" is air conditioned making it cozy for kids or even senior citizens. Food and beverages are also served. Just check out this link for more celfone pics and to give you an idea what to expect. I was informed that today's the last day (October 1) but to ensure, kindly call Margarita Fores at +63-2-710-8804.

For the complete list of places to donate or help out, kindly visit this link.

Right before the special screening of Mark Shandii Bacolod's "Fidel" at Fully Booked - High Street's U-View yesterday lunchtime, I had the chance to meet Marife Necesito. She happens to be the Pinay actress in the international film "Mammoth" which also stars "Y Tu Mama Tambien's" Gael Garcia Bernal. I didn't recognize her at first until an equally starstruck fellow film buff whispered to me her name.

Here's her picture with Gael during the 59th Berlin Film Festival, taken from this link:

There was this feeling of guilt when I headed to The Shang last Sunday, September 27, to queue for this year’s Korean Film Festival (which was making a return after a long hiatus). I was aware that most Metro Manila residents then were struggling with floods caused by typhoon Ondoy and yet, there I was, enjoying a film marathon. I just thought that maybe, the films were some kind of a treat after being stranded in Alabang the day before (that was a lame excuse, I know). On a different note, it must be the sense of adventure in me (in case there is one). Having in mind that it was still raining and EDSA could be soaked again big time. Oh well, Manuel. All for the love of movies…

Im Kwon-taek’s “Beyond the Years” (Chun Nyun Hack). This love story of two foster children is told through different facets of time. It transcends music, life, death, blindness and even socially relevant concerns like migration. It isn’t really clear if the two star-crossed lovers finally meet in the end but the well-shot film shows how love can be timeless.

Bong Jon-hoo’s “Barking Dogs Never Bite” (Flandersui Gae). What would happen if you plan to kill a dog that keeps on barking and got the nerves out of you, and realize later that you had the wrong dog? This is the premise of this dark comedy about life on residential buildings, bribery and petting dogs. The lead character somewhat resolves all the knots that come into his life with an epiphany that everything is not easy as expected.

Kim Tai-sik’s “Driving with my Wife’s Lover (Ane-eui Aein-eul Mannada). Its plot strikes a semblance to Wong Kar Wai’s “In the Mood for Love” less the stylish slow-mo shots. This Korean film on husband-wife musical chairs comes into full circle when compassion shifts from the husband then to the wife’s lover. The road film part of the movie is very poetic and highly entertaining.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Amidst the turmoil that Typhoon Ondoy caused last Sunday, a little lotus-pond-kind of peace was found in the Chinese painting session at The Shang. A group of students from Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Manila University organized the event which was basically a hands-on demo on Chinese painting. Nothing much in the said event but the calmness it brought on me was worth the short visit.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

It was my third trip back to the Netherlands for the last leg of an onsite assignment. Flight was at 8am. As far as I remember, NAIA was in struggle then with strong wind and heavy rains. Ceilings were starting to disintegrate and travelers for those flights that were not canceled yet, mine included, were asked to stay put. At close to 12pm, we were ushered in to the plane. I slept for an hour or so and woke up to a wobbly plane. I thought we were already flying, only to find out later that we hadn’t even taken off.

A few more minutes after, we were asked to take a service bus. We were brought to Manila Hotel for late lunch and to have rest for a 10pm flight. The inventory of names and room key distribution were both chaotic but the buffets (lunch and dinner) were good. That time, celfone networks were down and I couldn’t contact my folks in the province (worse, Facebook was not around yet). I was given a standard room with two beds but since I was all by my lonesome, the airline company didn’t bother to have me share a room with a co-passenger. At 8pm-ish, we were brought back to NAIA and, two hours later, the flight went smoothly.

September 26, 2009Typhoon Ondoy

I signed up for the company’s volunteer work at Elsie Gaches Village in Alabang. Most of morning on that day, just like any other volunteer, was spent playing with the kids, cheering for them during parlor games and interacting with them. The activities were occasionally slowed down by strong wind and heavy rains but it went fine. Together with Miss Jenny and husband Edward, we left the village at 12pm past. Getting out of Alabang’s business district area was a bit fun. That didn’t last long enough though. When we realized that Makati-bound SLEX was already flooded and that vehicles blocking us were already stuck as early as 8am, we headed back to Alabang Town Center (ATC) to recharge.

We had coffee and tea at Starbucks and bought a map at National Bookstore shortly after watching a badminton tournament at the mall’s activity center. Then we used the map to strategize our luck through Filinvest exit. We even bought more food in case we’re stuck for a time (I had hopiang Macau, Jack n’ Jill Pretzels and Fit n’ Right). Off we went to Filinvest Tollgate only to find out that all vehicles were U-turning. Last resort was through Coastal Road. It was in the middle of Alabang – Zapote Road when we received a call from our HR head advising that we’d rather assemble at ATC then be billeted at a nearby hotel.

The three of us (the Cruzes and me) were already imagining the likes of Bellevue and Vivere but those scouting for the hotel had a hard time securing one. That was understandable since our headcount reached 40 peeps (those with car and riding the bus) at least. We stayed at ATC for a few hours more buying medicine, toiletry, extra clothes/undies and celfone charger (shops starting to close as early as 4pm). We even treated ourselves with a nice dinner at Pepper Lunch. At around 7pm, we got the news that all of us will be staying at, err, Victoria Court in Las Piñas. I ended up occupying a standard room.

The volunteer from other department that I will be sharing the room with decided to stay in his colleagues’ bigger room. I did nothing but monitor the typhoon through television. I slept early and sound, something I deserved for a taxing day that started as early as 6am. Breakfast was room serviced at 7am (I had pork with mushroom rice toppings) then left the place with the Cruzes at 8:30am. We passed by at Mc Do near ATC for coffee fix and off we went to SLEX through Filinvest Exit. For the novelty of it all, I had fun but the other side of me, of course, is pained for those who are gravely affected by the typhoon.

As part of usual go-live perks, we had lunch at TGIF in High Street last September 25. Headcount is probably 20 to 30 and mostly attended by kids (except of course for the usual suspects like Arnold and Allan).

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The film narrates two intersecting lives of grannies Lola Sepa and Lola Puring as a paean for every senior Filipino citizen’s struggle against poverty and justice. It opens with Lola Sepa visiting a spot under a bridge where her grandson was stabbed to death just the other day. She is later on shown visiting a funeral parlor, collecting money and visiting a precinct to file for a police blotter. On the same precinct and on the same moment that Lola Sepa is present, Lola Puring arrives to visit her jailed grandson. It is then made clear that Lola Puring’s grandson killed Lola Sepa’s grandson. The spotlight now shifts to Lola Puring, getting a glimpse of her life as a vegetable vendor and a nurse to her bedridden son. What follows is a series of scenes that depict in parallel how the two grannies carry their own set of crosses.

RAINY SEASON

First and foremost, I appreciate that the film perfectly catches a pigment of Metro Manila at its wettest season without the help of any CGI or studio rainmaker. As far as I know, this is not achieved yet in any local production. The opening sequence, for instance, showcase a windy atmosphere and this synchronizes the dilemma that Lola Sepa is harboring. Most of the scenes consistently capture heavy rains and, at the height of it, a flooded area somewhere in Malabon was used as location for Lola Sepa’s neighborhood. Some of the moviegoers during the screening even kidded that maybe this is the reason why the film got chosen in Venice. But for sure, the film is a little more than that.

Script-wise, hands down, there is an overflowing honesty in Linda Casimiro’s work. She must be a grandmother herself to understand the details for a competent characterization of the two leads. Lola Sepa and Lola Puring are not just grannies, as sadly portrayed in most films here and abroad, but breathing and feeling individuals. Textured characterization could be a better description here. I have to note that this is the first Brillante Mendoza film that has no association with the great Bing Lao and the absence is very much felt all through out the movie. “Masahista”, “Serbis”, “Kinatay” or even “Tirador” and “Manoro” were written with both mind and heart while “Lola” is plainly all heart. The saving grace is that Brillante Mendoza’s realistic approach somewhat elevates the film from other locally produced works that were written in the same manner.

Some acting moments from both Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio are deemed noteworthy. The scene where Anita Linda is trapped in front of a closed toilet is effective. This is equally feted in one sequence that shows Rustica Carpio cheating on a vegetable buyer. Their scene together in a restaurant is very natural. Unfortunately, this can’t be said for the rest of the cast. I can sense that Jhong Hilario, though a good actor, is being “directed”. Same observation goes with the non-actor inside the funeral parlor and the old guy in the train station.

There’s a small scene here in there that stands out for me. For one, the opening sequence creates an eery apocalyptic feel that interludes an upcoming demise. When the musical score starts grinding during the wake on the night before the burial, the scenes imbued with it are well romanticized. The funeral procession shot in the flooded area is another example of a sight to behold.

CONCLUSION

“Lola” may not be Brillante Mendoza’s best work to date but the final product is very much serviceable. The vision is there as expected and that’s what matters the most for now.

Monday, September 21, 2009

I skipped the Gary Valenciano – Martin Nievera concert because of the 32nd Gawad Urian held at CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino last September 19. You see, it’s my first time to attend a Manunuri gathering (and a second time for an awards night). A friend who happens to be Peque Gallaga’s biggest fan offered an invite and who am I to say no. Here are some notes:

1. The event looked like an open-to-the-public event after all. While waiting for my film buff friend, I started joining the queue. A CCP staff distributed some tickets that served as control number. We were just asked to register and that’s it;

3. Gawad Urian used to boast of big and unique production numbers in between giving out awards. I’m not sure if it has something to do with global economic crisis but this year’s event only had plain and simple numbers from greats like Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua and stage actor Onyl Torres. The opening act that has three performers from Alunalun Dance Circle doing a Japanese-like interpretative dances through a Yoyoy Villame medley;

4. Peque Gallaga’s speech was definitely one of the beautiful speeches I’ve heard from a local awards night. He mentioned about Francis Ford Coppola’s observation that the next Michaelangelo of films would be a fat girl from Kansas and later on contested that it’s gonna be a fat girl from Bacolod or Pampanga or Davao City. Quoting Peque, “Shooting a film with a camera is like shooting with a gun.”;

5. Butch Francisco made some booboos by mentioning that Akihiro Sato’s absence might be due to Survivor – Palau (instead of Celebrity Duets). The confusion became clear when he called on the presentor for the next award who happened to be JC Tiuseco. When Boots Anson-Roa noticed that most winners were not around, she thought that they must be abroad screening their films. Butch downplayed it by saying, “O juma-junket lang sila.”;

6. The invite I got from my friend is now being kept. Back of it has three autographs: Julian Duque (who also deserved the Best Actor award for “Boses”), Ronnie Lazaro and Pepe Diokno (who made a comment that I should ask the Urian winners to have it signed instead of him); and

7. Most of the awards looks evenly distributed to deserving films like “Serbis”, “Yanggaw”, “Jay” and “Hunghong sa Yuta”. Too bad that another great indie film entitled “Huling Pasada” didn’t make it to the cut except for nominations for Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Actor for Neil Ryan Sese (who can’t attend the event due to DUP’s “Amphitryon”) and Best Supporting Actress for Agot Isidro. Here’s hoping that next year’s harvest is equally substantial and deserving.

First and third photos are taken by Jojit Lorenzo for his Photo Kitchen while picture in the middle is reposted from the PETA website.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Madonna Brava ng Mindanao” (by Don Pagusara and directed by Nestor Horfilla) accomplished a challenging task by adapting Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage” using Filipino flavors and sensitivity. It’s not really a direct translation of the material but a “localization” of it that goes through different (and tiring) generations of war in Mindanao. PETA’s “Ismail at Isabel”, written by Palanca winner Rody Vera and directed by resident director Maribel Legarda, touches the same base but on a different light. It tells a tale of two Muslim – Christian children, their friendship and the destiny that awaits them. Dulaang UP’s “Amphitryon”, on the other hand, treads a totally different path. It’s a Filipino translation by Jerry Respeto of a Heinrich Von Kleist’s materpiece. On the helm is the great Jose Estrella. It humanizes a Greek mythology on godly intervention then borders to a comic tale of mistaken identities served in a Shakespeare-like manner.

Shamaine Centenera as the lead Madonna Brava is a delight by itself. Her brisk Muslim accent was sustained all through out the performance. Same stability goes with her grief of losing all her children in the line of conflicts in Mindanao. Popong Landero, a recent Urian winner for the film “Hunghong sa Yuta, provided music for TP’s 23rd season’s second production. The semi-musical part came in as a surprise but it’s definitely a breather for a material so grave and heartbreaking. Some songs stood out and can be contested as one of the better original musical masterpieces set in a local stage. The main set used as mini-stage in the play is a giant pedicab containing goods for sale. It’s Madonna’s cherished possession and her primary means of livelihood, perhaps a microcosm of our dear nation. “Madonna Brava ng Mindanao” is a kind of play that is not meant to be enjoyed. It’s a living protest for the horrors experienced by Filipinos in the south and something has to be done.

DUP’s “Amphitryon”, on the other hand, is a pleaser and a feel-good play. The audience reacted and laughed as expected in this tale of errors. What’s worthy of all is the effort not to brutalize the concept of being visited by gods like Jupiter and Mercury. Mortal Ampitryon’s dilemma is somewhat similar to Joseph’s when wife Mary had baby Jesus through Immaculate Conception. The stage has a bed as the centerpiece. It is surrounded by a forest of white paper pinwheels and occasionally fenced by a “moving” gate. The transformation of the set from a dull night to a magical evening towards the end of the play is very charming. Furthermore, Jose Estrella’s take on comedy is a winner. Her attention to movement details and blockings is first-rate. The ensemble headed by Neil Ryan Sese, Gilleth Sandico (with Diana Malahay alternating for the role of Alkmene), Lex Marcos and TP alumni George de Jesus and Paolo O’Hara is just an incing on the cake

Lastly, watching PETA’s “Ismail at Isabel” is like swallowing a strawberry-flavored cough syrup. Beyond the musical play’s vivid set, highlighted by a playful audio-visual of shadow puppetry, is an irksome story of Hansel and Gretel-like kids who at a young age experienced the terror caused by the war in Mindanao. They had to endure a misadventure of a lifetime that got them separated. Muslim Ismail became a young hustler who graduated from being a pirated DVD vendor while Christian Isabel happened to be a nanny of a rich gradeschooler. Their reunion gives hope to a stark reality and should serve as an eye-opener. To help downplay the weighty material is a series of fairy tales told through song and dance numbers and it works. Worth noting is, for the first time, hearing a musical piece about, err, bootleg DVDs.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

I turned 33 last week, and as noted by Jeng on her YM message to me, it’s Jesus Christ’s age when he was nailed on the cross, died and resurrected. On that regard, the list below somewhat constitutes my version of the Bible. Behind the idea is a Facebook note entitled “25 Random Things About Me” which I wrote last February after giving in to a fad then called note tagging. I just added eight more to complete the roll. Feel free to do your own version then tag friends for your indulgence. Now, on with the list:

1. I met Baz Luhrmann (director of the film “Australia”) in Singapore. Got his autograph and said something like "Can I have another autograph for my friend in the Philippines?" The film he was lobbying then was "Moulin Rouge";

2. I am a fan of prayer. I’m not really the religious type but communicating with a Supreme Being is a therapeutic habit for me. It’s perhaps the closest thing I could get from talking to a shrink. And it’s for free. On this regard, I ask everybody to at least say “Please let him/her live.” when an ambulance passes by or utter a word of gratitude everytime you receive money from ATM;

4. I finished an 8-hour film in one seating last January 24. It's entitled "Melancholia", directed by the great Lav Diaz. No pee break and no food. I did not sleep. I also finished his other film, nine hours long, but with one 30-minute break. I long to see his 10 hours;

5. I don’t pronounce the “H” in Thai. I was informed by my brother through his Thai colleague that it is pronounced that way;

6. I almost missed the plane on my flight back from Athens to Amsterdam. That was the first time I ran big time from the train station up to the airline desk only to find out that the flight was delayed;

7. I can recite the Boy Scout Oath with aplomb;

8. I finished the whole first season of "Meteor Garden" during one Holy Week;

9. Venice, Italy, is my favorite European destination. I love the idea that you're required to relax. No Metro or red bus, just a ferry boat with designated stops;

10. There's only one TV series that I got really hooked to. It's called "The X-Files";

11. The earliest memory of me watching a film inside the cinema was when I was in first grade and the film was the very first “Shake, Rattle and Roll”. If I’m not mistaken, I was with some neighbors then. I had to attend a wedding as a ring bearer or something and an aunt had to fetch me inside the cinema. She had a flashlight;

12. I once brought a special someone to UP Observatory. It was on Valentine's Day;

14. I have a knack for geographical orientation. I easily recognize which is north or south without the help of a compass. I can join "The Amazing Race" because of that;

15. I kinda miss the brownout days during my wonder years. At night, dad would remove the cushion from the bed and would spread it in the living room. Then, four of us in the family would sleep there after some conversation about the cause of the brownout. Talking about some happy thoughts;

16. I slept along the beach in Lobo, Batangas, on the sand, after a heavy drinking bout with friends;

17. I joined the crowd in "Today Show" and met one of its female anchors and asked for an autograph. The funny thing is, I don't know her name;

18. During highschool days, a picture of me appeared on a tabloid. It was a rehearsal picture for a play entitled “Isang Rehearsal”. It so happened that the founder of the theater group, movie press Boy Villasanta, was working for a publication. That wasn’t the first, actually. My face first got famous when it was used as one of the cover pictures for Funny Komiks. I think I was on my fourth grade then;

19. I'm fascinated with number 13 because my birthday falls on that date and the first letter of my name is the 13th letter of the alphabets;

20. Family and friends back home used to call me Joon, a nickname given to me by my brother as a variation of Jun. Mom and dad simply call me "Bunso" (and my brother, "Panganay"). My brother calls me Jong-jong now and my pamangkins, Tito Joon. Officemates from my first job call me Wacks because I represent Bobby Andrews of TGIS fame;

21. I haven’t seen a ghost. It’s not that I would love to;

22. I survived the Chungking Mansions in Hongkong, a seedy place crowded by "real characters". I didn't sleep though. My friends and I decided to look for a new hotel right before we actually stayed there. Film in mind: Wong Kar Wai's "Chungking Express". Travel books say that you’ll become a legend the moment you stayed there. I feel invincible ever since;

23. I dig MMFF films. Last festival, I finished all six films in one day. Technically, two days (10am to past midnight);

24. For years now, I inherited this habit of not repeating a bottle of perfume. Currently, I’m using DKNY’s Be Delicious classic;

25. I almost had a brawl with a taxi driver. It was Christmas season and the cabs were choosy. I already got in and had put all the grocery bags inside, when the driver decided not to bring me to the apartment. I slammed the door and slightly kicked the side of the cab. The driver got out and asked "Anong problema?" He noticed that I looked like a priest (read: harmless) and started saying something like "Paskong Pasko pa naman, sir. Bawal magalit.” and he got back to his seat. I haven’t kicked a cab since then;

26. I was there in front of the television when Shaider, the dubbed version, first hit the Philippine boob tube. It was Saturday and timeslot was 5pm;

29. Thursday Group is my favorite "That's Entertainment" group. They should have won when the judges announced for the first time in history that every group was a winner. This was when Rudy Fernandez, one of the judges, arrived late. Jennifer Sevilla, Kempee de Leon, Smokey Manoloto and the gang did a medley of Philippine folk dances including Vina Morales playing the kulintang while some members danced the “Sayaw sa Bangko” using a 2-storey high pyramid of wooden benches;

30. On my shelf is a signed copy of "Fruitcake", the book, by the Eraserheads;

31. I prayed one time that my next company would have me seated on a table facing the Manila sunset. I've been with them for close to six years now;

32. An "Eat Bulaga!" crew once scolded me at the studio backstage. I didn't know that it was that busy there during breaks. I was starstruck with Pauleen Luna and didn't notice that some guys were rushing towards me, pushing some big props that could flatten me without a doubt;

33. My nephew's second name is Manuel and he is as smart ass as his favorite uncle. I once showed him my Disney wristwatch with Mickey Mouse’s face on silhoutte and asked him to guess who the character is. After a long pause, he said, “I don’t know” which got me disappointed. I told him, “Hey, little boy, it’s Mickey Mouse!”. He nonchalantly protested, “But that could be Minnie Mouse, too!” I miss my pamangkins;

1. Marlboro Lights. These lamps were spotted at 360 Restaurant and Bar in A. Venue. I was with Jaejay and friends then. They were having a hearty dinner (after a basketball event) and, for diet’s sake, I can’t eat;

2. Villar Water. I attended one event in Las Piñas that had me drink a bottle of Manny Villar drinking water. This is an indication that election fever has arrived. Here’s hoping that the plan to have Willie Revillame as Villar’s running mate would not materialize. I’ll just drink a gallon of his water if needed;

3. Net Square Rooftop. Taken during the TFC photo op. I’ve been a tenant of the building for roughly three years now and it was my first time to see the penthouse. Nice experience;

4. Lunchmates at Banana Leaf. It was a meet-and-greet dinner with ex-lunchmate, Ruth Tañedo. We missed Socs and Ben but just the same, we had fun. Not to mention that food (Hainanese chicken, bah kut the, etc.) is great;

5. Lunchmates at Red Mango. Dessert time! I had a small serving of frozen yoghurt with mango, almond and crushed Oreo. Though it remains healthy, this served as a reward for my ongoing diet;

6. Birthday Cake. I was a bit surprised when the cake was handed to me by Iam and Neo. You see, energy was down because the TFC launch just wrapped up, it was close to dinner time and most people in the area were gone. So, whoever you are, thanks for the sugarfree cake. I really appreciate it;

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

There's nothing much in this blog entry. I just want to collect all the links to the photo album and some Neo este new vids on last night's basketball event at the Guadalupe gym. How about the shortest blog entry ever? Hehehe.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

PERSONAL NOTE: Below is some kind of a press kit info from the band Kenyo. Just doing a favor.

KENYO (Band Profile)

Smooth and composed yet coarse and frenzied, sophisticated yet vulgar, safe but dangerous, familiar but somehow different - this is the kind of music generated by the band KENYO.

The band is made up of Mcoy Fundales (vocals/guitars), Ace del Mundo (guitars),JM del Mundo (bass guitars), Cleng Ocampo (guitars) and Ariz Villalon (drums/percussions). They all hail from Bulacan (a province just a few miles north of Manila, Philippines). Kenyo is short for "Bulakenyo," which is what people from Bulacan are called.

Formed in 2008, KENYO's potential was immediately recognized that it was soon signed under major label Universal Records, Philippines. They released a trippy-musical scrapbook of sorts in their first project album called RADIOSURFING that spawned the hit songs "Sana" and "Ayoko Na Sa 'Yo". This project also led the group to a successful tour of the United States, in the state of California, on September of 2008.

KENYO recently released a new album called MAHARLIKA. This time, the group writes and dishes out original music filled with zest, their own special sound and poetry.

KENYO's affinity towards the sweet sound of the past, pop sensibilities, honest lyricism and edgy musical approach makes the band a thrilling experience on its own.

MAHARLIKA - KENYO's new album out now!

The word MAHARLIKA traces its origin from the Malayan terms Majer Likha which means "great piece of work" and Mahal Likha which means "beautiful creation".

1. FILIPINA - A melodic ode to the timeless beauty and grace of Filipinas everywhere for they are the true pearls of the Orient.

2. TADHANA - Sing along with this tune on how Fate and Destiny sometimes poke fun at us.

3. HANGGANG SA MULI - A song written literally inside the airport while the band was waiting to board as Mcoy witnessed a couple who were exchanging, a seemingly endless, farewell to each other. This song is also a testament to the sacrifices one has to endure in order to fulfill his dreams for himself and his loved ones even if it means being distant from home.

4. SIMULAN NA NATIN - When longing bursts out a tune, you just have to groove. For desire and intimacy can't seem to wait. Hi C (formerly of Dice and K9 fame) spices up this track as she shares vocal duties with Mcoy (a first time collaboration with the band).

5. WISH ON A STAR - The boyish days of star gazing and wishful thinking are remembered in this syrupy track.

6. KALAYAAN - An anthem yearning for freedom. This song aims to woe liberty if she is personified. The track will be used as theme song for an upcoming indie-film locally produced and filmed in Bulacan.

7. MEANTIME GIRL - Inspired by an online stranger who simply calls herself "meantime girl". This is an interesting ballad of a girl who blindly accepts her role in a relationship bound for no one knows where and for how long.

8. STRONG MAN - The strongest, the bravest, the invincible and the unyielding will still be vulnerable. In a game called love, everyone has his match.

9. SOMEONE FOR YOU - Co-written with Elmer Dado (formerly of the band Polyester). A positive and hopeful song suited for these trying times.

10. LEARN TO SWALLOW - Catchy and edgy guitar riffs. steady drum beats. Unmistakable hooks. A song against negativity, toxicity and liars never sounded this good.

11. ALAY NA ALAALA - An offering and theme song from the docu-film, The Forgotten War, which tells about the stories of unsung Filipino heroes during the Korean War of the 1950's.

12. HANGGANG SA MULI (Akustiko) - A stripped down and intimate version of the album's carrier single. A fitting close to an album worthy of another spin.

Synopsis not necessary, this movie will never go wrong as it has all the tried and tested ingredients of a Disney Pixar film. It’s an eye candy, intelligent and has a heart. What I like best with the film company’s body of work is that they treat the kids mature enough and the adults, young and innocent. Though I’m stuck with loving “Wall-E”, “Up” soars high amidst the oh-so-familiar road. One scene stood out for me. This is where Carl unloaded some stuff from the house to keep it afloat. Kids would take it as simple science of gravity while the adults would see it more of a metaphor (well, at least, for me). Definitely not to be missed.

Friends who might appreciate it: No, not really for those with erectile dysfunction (it’s a different movie).

THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFEGreenbelt 3, Cinema 2, August 19, 8:40pm

It’s one film that is hard to summarize. Maybe that’s the reason why the material started as a book (which I haven’t read) before being adapted into a movie. But in a nutshell, it’s a love story between a human (for the lack of apt term) and not so human. The message is there somewhere but the logic check keeps on popping up from time to time. Worth appreciating though is the quiet execution of a film that borders from sci-fi to romance. I can completely forget “Jumper” for now.

Friends who might appreciate it: Mistresses.

DISTRICT 9Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, September 1, 8:10pm

First, the movie is well conceptualized and well made. I like the idea particularly on aliens inhabiting the earth and, though highly discrimated, taken care of as common citizens. I was reminded big time of the British satire “Shaun of the Dead” wherein zombies are treated as pets, complete with a chain and a doghouse. But “District 9” has something more to prove: the nameless actors, the un-Hollywood treatment of a very Hollywood CGI, the location and the feel. The only minus point for me is that I wasn’t entertained (assuming of course that it was envisioned that way).

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who think that the film has nothing to do with a red light.

KIMMY DORAGlorietta 4, Cinema 6, September 7, 5:50pm

This comedy, a blend of situational and bit slapstick, tells a story of twins, Kimmy and Dora, both played by the great Eugene Domingo. Kimmy is the alpha one female type who absurdly “gained” her might after having a high fever (we call this in the province “tipus” or “tipos”) when she was young. Dora, on the other hand, was born accidentally in a toilet bowl and grew up mentally slow. They both hate each other and this leads them to a seemingly endless catfight before hitting a snag that would test their relationship as sisters. Unlike other Pinoy slapstick flicks, this one has Chris Martinez as writer. I haven’t seen a local comedy before that has lines like “This is the dull side of being a heredera, sometimes you get kidnapped” and words like “slowburn”. The audience was laughing out loud from start to finish and even clapped in one act wherein Dora has to play Kimmy to appease her father. The laughter alone is worth the ticket. And for the love of Eugene, whom I had the chance to catch in a DUP play and in a Gabby Concepcion-Alice Dixon sitcom on ABC-5 ages ago, watch this.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who look up to Eugene Domingo as an artist more than a movie star.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

1. Birthday Cake for Ge. We had this cake in celebration of Ge See’s birthday celebration in advance and in his absence. The idea was for Iam to take pictures of the mini-event then send it along with a giant greeting card.

2. Tea and Sympathy. Had my first SL for the fiscal year by taking a rest from morning to noon. To somewhat reward my self, I had an organic tea at Red Mango in Greenbelt 3 right before watching two films (“Up” and “The Time Traveler’s Wife”).

3. GB3 3D. Tried this pair of 3D glasses at Greenbelt 3’s newly upgraded cinema. It was the first screening day of the week and the film was “Up. Date: August 19, 2009.

4. Wine or Whine Night? Meet my wine buddies (Allan’s not in the picture yet). It was taken at Barcino’s which is practically just opposite the office building. And yes, we talked about movies, having a baby, love life, Temmy’s silence (hehehe) and more.

5. Mga Kababayan sa Teatrino. It’s an annual event hosted by Logremara, an association composed of members from Lopez, Quezon, who are now residing in greater Manila area. It was my first time to attend such gathering. Got my Dakila Folloso shirt.

6. Brillante! In the picture was a set of awards received by filmmaker Brillante “Dante” Mendoza for all his works. The display was set in time for first public screening of his Cannes-winning film “Kinatay” at Greenbelt 3. I left the place with the director’s autograph.